Join the Workforce Development Board and Share Your Industry Expertise!

Rural Minnesota CEP is looking for business stakeholders and community leaders to join the Local Workforce Development Board (WDB) Area 2. Board members will be able to share their knowledge of local industries while shaping the future workforce in Northwest Minnesota. They will provide guidance and oversight for the programs operated by RMCEP. The board term lasts three years and meets eight times per year and virtual attendance is allowed.  

“Serving on this board will give you the opportunity to support positive workforce initiatives in the communities and understand what is available to your friends and neighbors,” says Tina Jaster, Executive Director of RMCEP. “Being on the board will help you support sustainable growth that will shape Minnesota’s future.”

Learn more about the duties and opportunities that come with sitting on the WDB. Joining this team could be an excellent opportunity to learn while being a source of change in your community. 

WDB Board Members Come From a Variety of Organizations

The WDB is comprised of various stakeholders who want to see Minnesota's economy and towns thrive. At least 50% of the board are business owners, while the other half make up community leaders and relevant non-profit groups. RMCEP is seeking business leaders with unique perspectives to fill board positions. This allows them to bring their pain points and opportunities to the table.  

“We want you to bring your expertise and knowledge of the business and industry that you are involved with,” says Jaster. “It’s enlightening to have a wide variety of people sharing information with others.”

Jaster offers several examples of board members sharing their perspectives to benefit the board's workforce development investments. There are union members who speak on behalf of their organizations and small business owners who have struggled with staffing. Sitting on the WDB is an excellent way to make your concerns about hiring, training, and retention heard.

Understanding Your Role as a Board Member

The WDB was designed to be run by active business leaders, and RMCEP recognizes how busy its participants are. The board tries to maximize the work it does while respecting the time commitments of members. Here is what you can expect as a WBD board member: 

• Board members may come from the private sector, community-based organizations, economic development groups, educational institutions, and job service providers.
• Members are appointed to three-year terms. There is no limit on reappointment.
• The WDB meets monthly from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. September through May on the fourth Tuesday of every month. (There are no meetings in June, July, August, or December.) 
• Board members may attend these meetings in person in Detroit Lakes or virtually.
• Members receive a $55 honorarium for meeting attendance (including virtual attendance) as well as expense reimbursement, such as mileage, for attending meetings in person.

Beyond the board meetings, members will have limited duties throughout the month. Their main role is to participate in these discussions and guide RMCEP's programs. Along with learning from other industry leaders and shaping Minnesota's future workforce, sitting on the WDB provides networking opportunities to grow your connections in the local community.  

Hear from Existing Board Members

If you still are unsure whether joining the WDB is right for you, hear from existing board members who have made a difference and benefited from their time in this position. 

Carol Anderson, Morrison County Community Development 

During my time on the Local Workforce Development Board, I have become aware of dozens of programs to assist businesses to find employees and employees to find employment.

The Local Workforce Board supports programs that assist both the job seeker and employer. For the job seeker, it can take an exceedingly difficult time in their lives (job loss) and turn it into an opportunity for a better source of employment. It can mean financial assistance for job training, emergency funds, job searching and coaching, and a whole support system for them to better themselves. For the employer, it can mean not only finding needed employees, but other assistance such as incumbent worker training and access to job fairs and platforms to list job openings. Being involved with your Local Workforce Development Board means knowledge about programs to assist your business. It is one of the best-kept secrets for businesses out there!

Amanda Hanson, Midwest Minnesota Community Development Corporation

The Local Workforce Development Board has proven to be an invaluable resource to me in learning about statewide trends in the job and labor market, discovering programs available to employers and potential employees, and fostering connections with smart, talented employers and service providers from around the region. The depth of knowledge on this Board and the insight the members, staff, and guest presenters provide about trends and phases of employment around the state is truly remarkable. Their information and observations have informed my work and perspectives and made the Board experience not only enjoyable but incredibly worthwhile.     

Reach Out to RMCEP to Apply

If you are interested in the WDB, contact Heather Bergseid at heatherb@rmcep.com or call 218-847-0712. We are happy to answer any questions you have or send over an application to start the process. The insights you provide can shape the community and even be brought to legislators in Saint Paul. You can positively impact the workforce opportunities in your community, industry, and state. Reach out to us today.